9-Day Turkey Highlights Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This optional activity offers a magical evening on the Bosphorus, featuring a delightful dinner, live entertainment, and stunning views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. First, visit Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage. Next, head to the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

Continue with a stop at the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance. After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family. Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics. At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. Your day begins with a visit to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), where you can experience the vibrant colors, aromas, and atmosphere of one of Istanbul’s most iconic marketplaces.

Following your visit, you’ll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus — the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the cruise, enjoy breathtaking views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, as well as centuries-old fortresses and elegant waterfront mansions that line both shores.

After the tour ends, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 12:15 PM. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will check out of your room before 12:00 PM and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, subject to flight availability in the late morning or afternoon. Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will greet you and facilitate your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an optional extra, consider booking an early morning رحلة منطاد الهواء الساخن to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to start your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your first stop will be وادي ديفيرنت, famous for its unique and whimsical fairy chimneys that resemble natural sculptures. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley, where you can see the iconic mushroom-shaped pinnacles and learn about the region’s history.

After exploring Pasabag, you will drive to the city of أفانوس, known for its rich pottery-making traditions dating back thousands of years, where you will have the chance to see local artisans at work. Following lunch, the tour continues to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This incredible museum features a network of carved caves and ancient churches, offering insights into the region’s rich monastic history. Towards the end of the tour, you will have approximately 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of the natural Uchisar Castle from the outside. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 PM. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, you will check out of your room, and around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the tour for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. The adventure begins with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, famous for its red-hued rock formations, followed by a scenic 5 km hike through the picturesque Rose Valley, where you can admire historic rock-cut churches. Next, you will proceed to the ancient Cavusin Village, known for its fascinating cave dwellings and history of Christian monks.

After enjoying a traditional lunch, the tour continues to وادي الحمام, named after the countless pigeon houses carved into the soft tuff stone, offering spectacular panoramic views. You will then descend into history with a visit to either مدينة كايماكلي تحت الأرض أو مدينة أوزكوناك تحت الأرض. These immense subterranean networks were once used by early Christians as refuges from persecution and contain living quarters, stables, and chapels deep beneath the earth. After the tour ends, you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Izmir, our representative will greet you and provide a transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to begin a fascinating journey into history at the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, renowned as one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. As you walk along the marble-paved streets, you will witness the architectural grandeur of the ancient world. You will stand before the elegant Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, and marvel at the colossal Great Theater, a structure capable of holding 25,000 spectators where St. Paul once preached. A true highlight of the visit is the magnificent Library of Celsus, with its iconic two-story façade that stands as a testament to the city’s former wealth and intellectual importance. You will also view the Trajan Fountain, an exquisite example of Roman engineering and art.

After enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, the tour takes a spiritual turn as you visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Located on the slopes of Bulbul Mountain, this stone house is believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, making it a significant pilgrimage site. Your journey through time continues with a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, you will admire the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture. After the tour ends, you will be transferred back to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, you will check out of your room by 12:00 PM. You will then be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul, with the departure scheduled for the late morning or afternoon depending on availability. Upon your arrival at the airport in Istanbul, our representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, giving you one last opportunity to explore the city or simply relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Istanbul before 12:00 PM. You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight schedule. This transfer marks the conclusion of our tour and services. If you are looking to extend your vacation with extra leisure days in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Kusadasi, you can easily customize your itinerary by indicating your preference for additional nights on the booking form.